.
UNCLASSIFIED
as
DDE498: VLM: GWA: wk
H2-1
Serial:
1
& Mar 1954
it was explained thet it was te the best interests of the Rongelap
people to leave the atoll and that the PHILIP was there for that
purpose, Mr, Wilds was present during all the conversation with
John the Magistrate and was of much assistance as also was LCOR
V. L. MURTHA, Executive Officer of the FHILIF whose Majuro Island
Government background proved very helpful in oonvincing the Marshallese that they should leave,
4, The information that the people would leave Rongelap was passed
very quickly, Each person was asked to bring a small handbag as the
only baggage since the monitors readings indicated a high dosoge on
sleeping mats, palm baskets, and other personal belongings, It is
considered very important that once the accepted leader is established
and identified that all requests be made through him without exception,
This procedure expedited the entire operation,
5,
It was decided to utilize the PB. to transport the elderly and the
sick to Kwajalein,
John designated sixteen (16) persons and this party
vrs emberked in the aircraft in about an hour and a half after the
perty first landed, These passengers are listed in Enclosure (1) which
is forwarded herewith.
6,
Fortunately, the Marshallese were not reluctant to leave the island,
The magistrate explained that the people had been sick and he obviously
deduced that all of the people would soon be provided the necessary
medical care, John was apprehensive about the safety of his boat, a
50 foot sloop. The sloop was towed by the ship's whale bont to a better
lee, Two anchors were dropped and the boat appeared to be in good holding
ground,
7, The forty eight (48) remaining Marshallese were transported via two
“hip's whale boats to the PHILIP. Names of evacuees are listed in
enclosure (1),
8, De-contamination of the Marshallese commencod immediately upon en.
barkation. Routes had been previously established and the de-contamins‘tion teams on station reedy to guide the passengers to the dz-contamina-
tion center (after crew's washroom).
Clothing was placed in two G.I, cans
oft and after a thorough shower clean clothes were randily available at
the exit. The crow donated sufficient white and dungares trousers,
dungaree and "T" shirts without which the de-contamination couldnot have
been as effective,
_ UNCLASSIFIED